Page 71 of An Arranged Marriage with a Cruel Earl
“At once, my lady.”
When she was dressed in a green evening dress and her hair was decently arranged, she slipped into the drawing room, clean silk slippers on her feet. She went to join Andrew on the chaise-longue, and he held her close, wrapping her tightly in his arms.
“Are you feeling better?” he asked her gently. She nodded, nestling close against him. With his arms wrapped tight around her, she was safe and warm and the need to sleep fought with her longing to kiss him.
“Yes,” she whispered. “Much better.”
“You are so brave, my darling,” he said softly, his resonant voice burring in his chest where she rested her head.
“I did nothing,” she murmured. “You are brave.” She would always remember how he had run at Ambrose, blocking the shot, and fighting to grab the gun. She had thought he would be killed, and terror had filled her.
“You saved me,” he said gently, stroking her hair. His touch kindled a longing like a fire inside her, making her body ache.
“You saved me,” she reminded him, her gaze holding his.
He chuckled. “Well, then. I think we can say we’re even.”
“Quite so,” she agreed.
He laughed and then his expression became serious as he gazed into her eyes. “I thought I was going to lose you,” he said slowly. “I was terrified. I realised that I have never even told you the truth of my heart. I love you, Emmeline. I love you more than I have words to express. Yourcourage, your fire, your humour, your wit...I love every part of you. I will always love you, forever.”
Emmeline gazed into his blue eyes, her heart melting with love.
“I love you, too, Andrew,” she murmured. “I love your bravery and courage, your intelligence, your humour...I love your maddening aloofness, too.” She grinned. He laughed. “I love every part of you, now and always. Forever.”
Andrew blinked, his eyes damp. Her own gaze was blurring with tears. He bent closer, wiping the tears that fell down her cheek with his finger.
“I love you,” he repeated, his voice low and steady, as though the words were the anchor of his very being. Leaning closer, he pressed his lips to hers with a soft, heartfelt tenderness. Emmeline’s eyes fluttered shut, and she melted into his embrace. His arms wrapped around her, holding her as if she were the most precious thing in the world. The kiss was slow and full of meaning, a silent promise shared in the quiet stillness around them.
